WORLD OF INDUSTRIES - MOTION, DRIVE & AUTOMATION 5/2017

Servo systems with high

Servo systems with high performance for packaging machine manufacturer For its new product line, the packing and packaging machine manufacturer ‘Ixapack Global’ was on the search for a compact, yet high-precision servo drive package. It found the perfect solution in the current dual-axis modules of the Sigma-7 servo system series from Yaskawa. With more than 40 years of industry experience, the company ‘ixapack global’, headquartered in Mauléon, western France, has become a specialist in the design and manufacture of automated packing and packaging machines. The company’s portfolio comprises 3 separate brands, ixapack packaging, selvex, and ‘aucouturier’, ranging from complete packaging lines for the most varied applications to inspection systems. The company strives for high standards in quality and innovation. This is true for both, for its own development and production operations in France and for the components it sources from suppliers. Recently, the France based company developed 2 new products to automate the cartoning process. These developments consist of delta robots and multi-articulated manipulators to combine product gripping and carton folding operations. Up to 5 robots can be controlled by a single controller, which synchronizes the movements of the different robots as well as the feed systems. In view of this, the servo drives to be used in the system require the high speed and precision. Depending on the model type, there are 74 or 108 servo axes installed in these machines. In order to deal with the high amount of process complexities, ‘ixapack’ was therefore looking for a high-performing and compact servo drive solution that would take up minimal space in the switching cabinet. In the end, the company opted for the Sigma-7W dual-axis modules from Yaskawa. Controlling 2 motors with a single amplifier reduces the amount of space taken up in the switching cabinet and even more importantly, saves energy. The Sigma-7 servo system series The Sigma-7W dual-axis modules are available in both 200V and 400V versions. ‘ixapack’ is implementing both versions. Their external appearance is almost identical to the single-axis amplifiers, which means that they have a space-efficient, book-style enclosure, which is only 80 mm wide. This equates to a width of only 40 mm per axis for the dual-axis module. In addition, a holding brake can be directly attached to the amplifier, rendering other components redundant and making the system further compact. Another benefit of the Sigma-7W modules is that both axes can be coupled using the internal DC bus. In certain configurations, such as during simultaneous generator and motor operation, the coupled axes require much less energy than 2 single-axis modules, offering potential energy savings of up to 20 %, obviously depending on configuration. The dual-axis module can also be completely Author: Christophe Le Gallic, Director of Sales West – Division Drive, Motion & Control Yaskawa France DRIVE TECHNOLOGY

About Yaskawa Electric Corporation Yaskawa Europe Gmbh based in Eschborn, Germany is a complete subsidiary of Yaskawa Electric Corp. It is a key global player in the field of motion control (inverter drives, servo drives, servo motors, machine controllers), robotics (industrial robots, service robots, robot systems), systems engineering (medium-voltage inverters, generators and converters). For the 2016 financial year, Yaskawa had a net sales of around Yen (Japanese Yen) 394 billion. Of the total revenue earned, Yaskawa’s motion control and robotics divisions represents around 45 % and 35 % respectively. Yaskawa’s European business roughly accounts for 12 % of the company’s total business. Yaskawa Europe Gmbh sells its products through direct sales channels, distributors, system integrators, and OEM sales channels. The company employs more than 14,500 people worldwide. 01 Yaskawa’s Sigma-7 dual axis servo system series 02 Top loading Cartoning machine from French machine manufacturer ‘ixapack global’ supplied by the DC bus through a DC input. Naturally, both axes of the Sigma-7 series dual-axis module meet the high safety requirements of the SIL3 standard for STO (Safe Torque Off). Development of the new Sigma-7 servo drive series focuses on three main goals: efficient commissioning, high production output, and maximum operational reliability. Through this series, Yaskawa offers a powerful response to today’s market requirements for both machine constructors and end users in the production industry. Extensive presets in the amplifier software simplify and accelerate the commissioning of these servo drives. For example, the ‘tuningless’ function allows immediate use of the Sigma-7 without the need for complex parameterization or special knowledge of control equipment, while an ‘autotuning’ function ensures quick adjustment. By saving time, you also benefit from savings in costs. The servo motor system supports both installation and commissioning on the hardware side too. The new 400V version has a removable quick-coupling plug, made according to European standards, for easy and simple cable wiring. Moreover, the book-style enclosure supports gap-free, side-by-side installation of several amplifiers in a small space. This makes it possible to realize a high performance density inside the switching cabinet. The space inside the cabinet is reduced to a minimum, allowing it and the drive electronics to be integrated in the machine. Devices can also be connected directly from one to the next, so-called daisy-chain wiring, which reduces installation time. An integrated real-time EtherCAT interface is also available for easy integration in the machine environment. Taken together, all of these time-saving features considerably reduce the time to market of the machine. The motors in the Sigma-7 series are up to 20 % smaller than their predecessors while offering equivalent performance, and they produce considerably less heat. This means that they not only need less space in the machine but they are also more energy efficient. Much more potential for efficiency is provided by the software and advanced electronics. This series is characterized by its particularly powerful control algorithms. Compact MP3300 controllers The extremely compact MP3300 and MP3300iec controllers from Yaskawa offer high standards in high-speed performance and accuracy. Alongside the standard MP3300 version, the MP3300iec variant has been designed specifically with the European market in mind. Its IEC development interface ensures simple, fast, and user-friendly programming in accordance with the IEC 61131-3 standard. Both MP3300 models feature a powerful CPU, which enables a high-speed scanning cycle of at least 125 microseconds or 64-bit data types for example. As a result, greater precision can be achieved in complex high-speed applications. Simple usability and easy maintenance were also the focal points during its product development phase. Featuring real-time ‘Mechatrolink III’ Ethernet interfaces, the new compact controllers enable simple integration of servo axes in synchronous groups. The CPU size and base unit can be selected freely, meaning that, in the event of future expansion, the performance can be increased by adding a larger CPU. Two base units are available for input and output modules – with either one slot or three slots depending on application. The MP3000 series was developed specifically for highly complex systems with multiple axes. The components in the series deliver a high level of performance, as required, for example, by machines for semiconductor coatings. They are at least 1.5 times more powerful than their predecessors. Thanks to the built-in technology of the Sigma-7 servo systems, which includes dampening the machine vibration and power ripple compensation, the MP3000 controllers are able to increase productivity significantly by reducing cycle times. Controller performance was a particular focus in development of the MP3000 series. Power can be evenly distributed between the axis control and PLC functionality. This ensures that sufficient computing power is available for PLC functions even during highly complex curve movements and high cycle rates that require a great deal of processing power for the motion control component. In opting for the dual-axis modules from Yaskawa’s Sigma-7 servo system series in combination with the MP3300 controller for its new cartoning machines, the French packaging specialist ‘ixapack global’ has been able to satisfy its high requirements for speed, precision, and space efficiency. Photographs: Yaskawa Europe GmbH www.yaskawa.eu.com WORLDOFINDUSTRIES – MOTION, DRIVE & AUTOMATION 5/2017